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Revelation 18:15

New Testament Apocalyptic ASV (1901)

What does Revelation 18:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning;
Revelation 18:15 — American Standard Version

Context — Revelation 18

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stone, and pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet; and all thyine wood, and every vessel of ivory, and every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;
13and cinnamon, and spice, and incense, and ointment, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and cattle, and sheep; and [merchandise] of horses and chariots and slaves; and souls of men.
14And the fruits which thy soul lusted after are gone from thee, and all things that were dainty and sumptuous are perished from thee, and [men] shall find them no more at all.
15The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and mourning;
16saying, Woe, woe, the great city, she that was arrayed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stone and pearl!
17for in an hour so great riches is made desolate. And every shipmaster, and every one that saileth any wither, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood afar off,
18and cried out as they looked upon the smoke of her burning, saying, What [city] is like the great city?
← Revelation 18:14Revelation 18:16 →
← Full Chapter 18 Revelation Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“The merchants of these things, etc.] Before mentioned, who have traded in them for themselves and for Rome: which were made rich by her, (see <661803>Revelation 18:3) shall stand afar off for fear of her torment; as the kings of the earth before, (<661810>Revelation 18:10) being conscious to themselves of their being partners in her crimes, and so might justly fear they should share in her punishment; and it may be, they will outwardly deny they are now of her religion, and will externally embrace the reformed religion; though they will be inwardly weeping and wailing for the destruction of Rome, and the loss of their merchandise and goodly things.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“of these things--of the things mentioned, Rev 18:12-13. which--"who." made rich by--Greek, "derived riches from her." stand afar off for the fear--(Compare Rev 18:10). wailing--Greek, "mourning."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The merchants of these things - Who trafficked in these things, and who supplied the city with them, Revelation 18:11. Which were made rich by her - By traffic with her. Shall stand afar off - Revelation 18:10. For fear of her torment - Struck with terror by her torment, so that they did not dare to approach her, Revelation 18:10. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“which: Rev 18:3, Rev 18:11; Hos 12:7, Hos 12:8; Zac 11:5; Mar 11:17; Act 16:19, Act 19:24-27 shall: Rev 18:11; Jdg 18:23, Jdg 18:24; Eze 27:31; Amo 5:16, Amo 5:17 Revelation 18:16”
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Related study paths

Read Revelation 18 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification